UEFA Champions League Matchday 4: Our Bold Predictions for the Biggest Clashes!

We have well and truly entered crunch time in the 2025–26 Champions League, with the second batch of quarterfinal first legs arriving on Wednesday evening.

Tuesday's slate was headlined by the 29th meeting between storied continental rivals Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, with Arsenal's visit to Sporting CP offering considerably less drama — though fans watching here will be eager for a split-screen experience.

Sure, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid have clashed at least twice a season for years, but this competition adds a layer of prestige that domestic football simply cannot match. And while Paris Saint-Germain look capable of steamrolling yet another English side, Liverpool's rich European pedigree means they shouldn't be written off entirely against the reigning champions.

Here's how Sports Illustrated sees Wednesday's quarterfinal first legs unfolding.

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Barcelona vs. Atlético Madrid

Barcelona and Atlético Madrid renew hostilities following Sunday's thrilling La Liga clash at the Metropolitano, where Robert Lewandowski netted late to give Hansi Flick's men a seven-point cushion at the top, aided by Real Madrid's shock defeat to Mallorca.

By the time the second leg wraps up, these two sides will have met five times in the same calendar year. Their recent Copa del Rey semifinal was a gripping affair, with Barça coming agonizingly close to pulling off a stunning comeback at home after losing the first leg 4–0 away.

Barça dismantled Newcastle United 7–0 at the Camp Nou to advance to the quarterfinals, and have remained unbeaten since returning to their beloved home ground.

Atléti, however, can be a stubborn and resilient opponent, though this is not the same Diego Simeone-coached unit that outfoxed star-laden Barcelona sides in the 2013–14 and 2015–16 Champions League quarterfinals. This current team is vibrant and dangerous going forward, but vulnerable defensively. Even Tottenham Hotspur managed to win one of the legs in the previous round.

Prediction: Barcelona 3–1 Atlético Madrid

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool

Kick-off time: 8 p.m. BST / 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT

Liverpool are hardly in ideal shape to seek revenge against the reigning European champions, who eliminated them on penalties en route to claiming their maiden Champions League title.

The Reds, who would go on to win a second Premier League crown, snatched a victory in Paris in the first leg of that round of 16 tie despite conceding 27 shots and goalkeeper Alisson being called into action nine times.

It will take something truly extraordinary for the six-time European champions to give themselves a realistic shot at an improbable progression. While Liverpool delivered another impressive display against Galatasaray in the last 16 to overturn a 1–0 first-leg deficit, Arne Slot's squad looks ill-suited to handle the seamless, instinctive attacking play of Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG have had their inconsistent spells this season, but they've shown glimpses of their most devastating form in recent weeks. They dismantled Chelsea 8–2 on aggregate to book this quarterfinal spot, and have netted 15 goals across their last four wins.

For Liverpool to get a result in Paris, they must shed the defensive frailties that have haunted them this season — the same ones Manchester City ruthlessly exploited at the weekend.

Prediction: PSG 3–1 Liverpool

Matchday 4/8 Predictions